Ai chi uses an active relaxation technique in which breathing and postural control are important. Clinical Ai Chi and Ai chi are different from each other. Ai Chi is performed in wellness and Clinical Ai Chi can be used for therapeutic applications.

Advantages

  • Fatique
  • Balance
  • muscle strenght
  • pain
  • stiffness
  • autonomy
  • relaxation

Applications

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • fall prevention
  • Dementia

Clinical Ai Chi relations with  a ICF Subcategories.

Function level domain B7 neuromusculoskeletal and movement related functions Activity level: domain D4 mobility
710: Mobility of joint functions.
715: Stability of joints functions.
720: Mobility of bone functions (scapula).
730: Muscle power.
755: Involuntary movement reaction functions.
7602: Coordination of voluntary movement.
7603: Supportive functions of the legs.
7800: Sensation of muscular stiffness.
7801: Sensation of muscle spasm.
4106: Shifting the body’s the center of gravity.
4154: Maintaining a standing position.
4452: Use of arms: reaching.

Method

Ai Chi consist of 19 movements (kata’s). Each movement takes places at breath rate, which is about 14 and 16 times per minute. these movements are:

  • Contemplating, Floating, Uplifting, Enclosing and Folding
  • soothing
  • Gathering
  • Freeing
  • Shifting
  • Accepting
  • Accepting with grace and rounding
  • Balancing
  • Half Circling, Encircling, Surrounding, Nurturing
  • Flowing and Reflecting
  • Suspending

the 19 movements/kata’s

Over time the regulatory conditions change, these are:

  • Going to a rotary trunk position form a symmetrical trunk position.
  • From a static to a dynamic COG (center of gravity).
  • large reaching movements instead of small hand movements.
  • Using narrower base support.
  • From visual control to non-visual / vestibular control.
  • From symmetrical to asymmetrical arm movements.

Hydrotherapy equipment

Sources

Clinical Ai Chi, by Johan Lambeck and Anne Bommer (2010)